Are you looking for a simple yet elegant side dish to elevate your next dinner? Look no further! These candied sweet potatoes, cooked right on the stovetop, are incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly quick. Forget complicated recipes and long oven times; this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious homemade touch without the fuss. Get ready to experience the sweet and savory magic of candied sweet potatoes, a healthy and satisfying addition to any meal. This easy recipe delivers a delicious dish perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike, proving that healthy meals can also be quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons water (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Peel your sweet potatoes and slice them thinly and evenly. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness for even cooking. Thinner slices will caramelize better.
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Melt the Butter: In a large skillet (cast iron works best!), melt the butter over medium heat.
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Sauté the Sweet Potatoes: Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften slightly.
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Add the Sweetness and Spices: Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the sugar to caramelize and coat the sweet potatoes.
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Simmer to Perfection (Optional): If the mixture seems too dry, add 2 tablespoons of water and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly (about 5-10 minutes more).
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately. These candied sweet potatoes are delicious as a side dish with roasted meats, poultry, or even alongside your favorite vegetarian main course.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- Thinly Sliced is Key: The thinner you slice your sweet potatoes, the more evenly they'll cook and caramelize. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for consistent slices.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will prevent proper caramelization. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to your preference.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with other spices, such as ginger or allspice, to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Spicy Candied Sweet Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright and refreshing flavor.
- Candied Sweet Potatoes with Pecans: Toss in some chopped pecans during the last few minutes of cooking for added crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5g
These candied sweet potatoes are a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy meals can be achieved with minimal effort. They are a delightful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and best recipes, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated to be exceptionally satisfying. Enjoy!